Nutrition Resources

The nutritional consequences of Covid-19 are not yet fully understood, but knowledge from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) suggests that patients are likely to experience skeletal muscle dysfunction, which can persist for weeks to years (Files et al, 2015) and impede return to pre-illness status. Many of the signs and symptoms noted to frequently persist after acute Covid infection, such as breathlessness, fatigue, loss of smell and taste and inflammation, can impact oral intake and potentially worsen nutritional status (Arnold et al, 2020; Carfi et al, 2020; Doykov et al, 2020; Mandal et al, 2020; Sudre et al, 2020).

The term ‘wound’ can cover everything from relatively minor wounds, such as a small surgical scar, to major wounds, such as chronic leg ulcers. Typically, the cause and type of wound determines how quickly and effectively it heals (Thomas and Bishop, 2007). The presence of complications such as infection can dramatically increase the time it takes for a wound to heal. In a 2015 research study, conducted by gathering data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, the cost burden of wound care in the NHS was estimated. After adjusting for comorbidities, the estimated cost to the NHS was between £4.5 billion and £5 billion. Furthermore, the study found that nutritional deficiency and diabetes were independent risk factors for wounds not healing (Guest et al, 2015). Nutritional factors, such as protein-energy malnutrition, dehydration, and deficiency in certain micronutrients, have all been identified as important for some stages in the process of wound healing. Being able to identify those who are malnourished or at risk of becoming so, and those who have micronutrient deficiencies, is key to successful wound healing outcomes.

Claire Campbell, chair of the National Nurses Nutrition Group (NNNG) and nutrition support nurse specialist, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, looks at how community nurses can help to tackle malnutrition and identify those most at risk.

Food fatigue is a psychological condition which results in lack of motivation or enthusiasm to consume food. Left untreated, this can lead to malnutrition, lack of energy and dehydration. In a bid to alleviate food fatigue for customers, including those individuals who may have been clinically shielded or especially vulnerable through the Covid-19 pandemic, home meals delivery company, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has collaborated with leading chefs in the South West and launched a new and inspirational summer kitchen range giving added variety, freshness and choice.

Food fatigue is a psychological condition which results in lack of motivation or enthusiasm to consume food. Left untreated, this can lead to malnutrition, lack of energy and dehydration. In a bid to alleviate food fatigue for customers, including those individuals who may have been clinically shielded or especially vulnerable through the Covid-19 pandemic, home meals delivery company, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has collaborated with leading chefs in the South West and launched a new and inspirational summer kitchen range giving added variety, freshness and choice.

Food fatigue is a psychological condition which results in lack of motivation or enthusiasm to consume food. Left untreated, this can lead to malnutrition, lack of energy and dehydration. In a bid to alleviate food fatigue for customers, including those individuals who may have been clinically shielded or especially vulnerable through the Covid-19 pandemic, home meals delivery company, Wiltshire Farm Foods, has collaborated with leading chefs in the South West and launched a new and inspirational summer kitchen range giving added variety, freshness and choice.

The Managing Adult Malnutrition in the Community team has worked with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) to develop a range of patient information leaflets to advise those who have Covid-19 illness, or who are recovering after the illness, on eating well to assist in their recovery.

Dysphagia is a term used to describe difficulty or discomfort in swallowing food, fluids and even saliva. It is usually caused by another health condition, such as stroke, head injury or dementia, and can affect people of all ages. Nurses play a key role in identifying and managing dysphagia and screening for malnutrition. A multidisciplinary approach is required to guide appropriate interventions and achieve the best outcomes. This article discusses the prevalence of dysphagia, as well as the signs and risk factors, before taking a closer look at management strategies to help ensure good nutritional status.

There are a number of clinical conditions that result in dysphagia (difficulties swallowing food and drink). Sometimes dysphagia can resolve, however, for many it can be long term and also continue to deteriorate over time as the disease progresses. Successful management of dysphagia requires provision of differing levels of texture modification to an individual’s food and fluid consistency. It is important that this is assessed correctly so that the individual receives the appropriate consistency to swallow safely. If an inappropriate consistency is given, this can result in aspiration pneumonia, which can have fatal consequences. If individuals are given a consistency which has been over modified so that it is softer or thicker than required, their pleasure in food and drinks can be reduced unnecessarily, risking malnutrition and dehydration. This article introduces the differing consistencies which are recommended and the consequences that can result from incorrect consistencies being given. It also discusses suitable foods and fluids to meet both the requirements of the differing texture modifications and nutritional components of these consistencies.